A Bluffton veterinarian doubles as a transporter of primates for medical research — a practice considered controversial because of the animals’ more human capacity for suffering.

Paul Barras, a veterinarian at the Banfield Pet Hospital in the Bluffton PetSmart off U.S. 278, owns Barr Scientific Transport, a Beaufort-based company specializing in primate transport services between suppliers and labs.

The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida received a tip linking Barr Scientific Transport to two Florida-based suppliers, said Nick Atwood, spokesman for the group.

Barras declined an interview request.

A spokesman for one of those suppliers, World Primates, said Barras carries a strong reputation and his experience as a veterinarian is valued.

“He’s top notch because he’s involved a lot directly and provides optimum care to the animals,” said Robert Robertson of World Primates.

Non-human primate testing, particularly with so-called “great apes” such as chimpanzees, has drawn the attention of animal rights groups because the primates’ likeness to human beings offers research advantages but also poses ethical questions because of that likeness.

A long list of airlines, including American Airlines and Delta Airlines, have refused to transport non-human primates under pressure from animal rights groups.

“There’s human clinical studies, in-vitro studies, cell and tissue culture, epidemiology and genetic research — those are just a few that are becoming more popular and replacing the use of animals in testing labs,” Atwood said. “We hope that’s the way of the future.”

Robertson counters that, while there are areas of research that have phased out testing, non-human primates are still necessary in drug toxicity and vaccine trials. If there were alternatives such as computer modeling, researchers would pursue them, he added.

“I’m sure that if the government had non-animal models they would replace that because it’s awful expensive,” he said. “It’s just not economical.”

Major studies over the past five years have endorsed the use of non-human primates in certain areas under well-regulated programs but have emphasized the need to continually evaluate whether the ends justify the means in all areas of research and to explore alternatives.

Brooke Boeky, owner of Brooke’s Haven Animal Rescue in Bluffton, said Barras’ business presents conflicting roles for a veterinarian.

“Of all the people to be involved with that, a veterinarian?” she said. “Veterinarians are supposed to be in the business of caring for animals.”

But Sue Jackson, a volunteer at the Jasper County Animal Rescue, said Barras’ side job wouldn’t influence her decision to treat her animals with him.

“I think that’s his own personal opinion, and I would not have an opinion one way or another,” she said. “If he thinks it’s right, that’s up to him.”